LeBron James has reportedly won a third NBA Most Valuable Player award in just his ninth season. Impressive? No doubt. It puts him in elite company.
Here's the list of players with three or more MVP awards: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Moses Malone.
As exclusive as that list is, LeBron can claim something that not one of those men can claim: He's never won a championship.
No, this is not a knock on LeBron James, who might very well win his first NBA title in June. It's simply a look at the unique nature of his situation. Here is a man universally considered to be the best basketball player on the planet, and yet, he still has as many rings as any former winner on "The Bachelor."
For the record, I do think LeBron is the league's best player, and quite possibly, the most physically gifted player in NBA history. But he's entering dangerous territory in terms of legacy. Dan Marino and Karl Malone know what I'm talking about . . .
Stats and individual awards can make you a great player, but championships make you immortal. Here's an experiment for you: Close your eyes and picture LeBron James' defining moment.
What'd you imagine? The game-winning three-pointer against the Magic? His heroic effort in the Palace against the Pistons? Both still led to an early summer vacation.
For all his greatness, LeBron has yet to establish a legacy. The NBA is full of snapshots. Jordan over Byron Russell. Magic's hook shot. Bird's out of bounds steal. So while LeBron has a full trophy case, his photo album is still empty.
With Derrick Rose's injury, the Eastern Conference has opened up wide enough for Moses (not Malone) to drive a couple thousand chariots through to the NBA Finals. Can LeBron do it? We'll find out. But I bet I could name seven other MVP's who would be up to the task. . .
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:10 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:10:14 GMT
(Source: Owens Sports Information) The Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) has announced their All-Academic team and 31 Owens Community College student-athletes were featured on the list.
31 Owens student-athletes named to the All-Academic team.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:49 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:49:21 GMT
Aug. 29 – Thursday Liberty at Kent State, 6:00 pm ET (ESPN3) Illinois State at Ball State, 7:00 pm ET (ESPN3) Tulsa at Bowling Green, 7:00 pm ET (ESPNU) Akron at Central Florida, TBA Aug. 30 –
MAC football kicks off Thursday August 29th, Bowling Green hosts Tulsa.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:38 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:38:48 GMT
(Source: Michigan International Speedway) For the second year in a row, the NASCAR Foundation has recognized Michigan International Speedway's charitable and community efforts, naming the racetrack its
The NASCAR Foundation names MIS the "Track of the Year" for the second year in a row.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:35 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:35:14 GMT
(Source: Owens Sports Information) Haley Hudgin, an outfielder from Ida High School, has signed with the Express softball program. The 5'7" Ida, MI native was named First Team All-Lenawee County Activities
Haley Hudgin, an outfielder at Ida, signs with the Express softball program
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:32 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:32:12 GMT
(Source: Owens Sports Information) Sophomore outfielders Ryan Horvath and Justin Elder will continue their college careers together as the two will play at Union College next season. Horvath hit .274
Sophomore outfielders Ryan Horvath and Justin Elder sign to play for Union College next season.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:50 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:50:28 GMT
Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Ken Holland today announced that the club has agreed to terms with center Pavel Datsyuk on a three-year contract extension. In accordance
Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Ken Holland announced that the club has agreed to terms with center Pavel Datsyuk on a three-year contract extension.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:49 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:49:11 GMT
Rain began to fall at Flat Rock Speedway Saturday night, causing a nearly 1 hour delay in the program. But a large crowd sat through the elements, and more fans came late as the Parts Galore School Bus
Rain began to fall at Flat Rock Speedway Saturday night, causing a nearly 1 hour delay in the program. But a large crowd sat through the elements, and more fans came late as the Parts Galore School Bus Figure 8 races were not to be stopped!
Monday, June 17 2013 5:07 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:07:18 GMT
The Detroit Lions announced today that they have signed TE Matt Veldman and released TE Dominique Curry. Contract terms were not disclosed. Veldman comes to Detroit after spending the 2012 season with
The Detroit Lions have signed TE Matt Veldman and released TE Dominique Curry. Contract terms were not disclosed.
Monday, June 17 2013 5:06 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:06:11 GMT
Sophomore outfielders Ryan Horvath and Justin Elder will continue their college careers together as the two will play at Union College next season. Horvath hit .274 with 17 runs, 34 hits, seven doubles,
Sophomore outfielders Ryan Horvath and Justin Elder will continue their college careers together as the two will play at Union College next season.
Monday, June 17 2013 5:05 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:05:12 GMT
Haley Hudgin, an outfielder from Ida High School, has signed with the Express softball program. The 5'7" Ida, MI native was named First Team All-Lenawee County Activities Association (LCAA), All-District,
Haley Hudgin, an outfielder from Ida High School, has signed with the Express softball program. The 5'7" Ida, MI native was named First Team All-Lenawee County Activities Association (LCAA), All-District, All-Region and All-Monroe County as a senior.
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